The mining industry has been around for centuries. Look at almost any historical piece and it won’t take long before you find evidence related to mining work. From the earliest images of ancient Egyptians digging for copper and turquoise, to stories of the Klondike gold rush, the tales of underground digging are as plentiful as they are fascinating.
A career as a miner is not a job for everyone. Working in shifts, the hours and long and just as demanding mentally as it is physically. Professionals are working deep under the ground in most sites without sunlight for long periods. It’s easy to feel confined, even claustrophobic in some of the underground tunnels. The work is dangerous, but advances in technology and safety protocols have made significant improvements.
For those who dare venture into the field, it is, without question, a very unique, demanding industry. But for those who have made their livelihoods burrowing for natural resources, most cannot image doing anything else. There are many benefits working as a mining world.
1. High Compensation
Mining is one of highest paying jobs in the market. While salaries and payouts can fluctuate depending on the natural mineral mined, miners have the potential to make more in one day than most people will see in their entire life.
2. Diverse Industry
Mining is a very diverse industry. Not only are there plenty of different resources to mine, but where and how the minerals are discovered vary as well. Miners can work underground at a salt mine in a hot country or above land looking for gold in colder climates. The distinct opportunities are plentiful.
3. Always Evolving
Mining is an industry that is always evolving. New computer programs, technologies, equipment, locations, other tools and safety protocols are continually changing the industry and how tasks are completed. Those in the profession evolve with their job.
4. Growth and Training Opportunities
The continued changes of this exciting industry create many opportunities for ongoing staff growth and development. Every time a new piece of equipment or procedure is introduced, employees go through training to learn of the latest trends and advances. Mining opens the door to continued growth both physically and mentally.
5. Thrill Seekers Delight
Mining is not a standard nine to five office job. It is different every day. Each day, professionals face new digging sites, problems, finds, and work environments. Adrenaline fueled individuals who find pleasure in not knowing what each day will bring, will enjoy venturing where no one else dares to go.
6. Technological Advances
Today, technological advances have made the job easier, safer, and more interesting. Underground mining software can help companies track their progress, machinery, financial matters, and landscape while other computerized tools make it safer and easier to get the job done. The mining industry is always advancing in their technologies, so every dig is a fascinating treasure hunting mystery.
7. Relocation Opportunities
If you want to travel or relocate to a new country or region, mining allows you to do that. Mining is done all over the world and in different climates. As a professional, you have plenty of opportunities to travel to different countries, work in a variety of environments, and excavate almost any natural resource.
The mining industry is not a career for everyone. It is a very demanding industry that poses many daily challenges. The work conditions are uncontrollable and vary from one location to another. But for those thrill seekers who have built their livelihoods on this diverse and fascinating job, the rewards working in this industry easily outweigh the challenges.
FAQs
These benefits include low-cost, reliable electricity and the materials necessary to build our homes, schools, hospitals, roads, highways, bridges and airports.
What is the #1 advantage of mining? ›
These benefits include low-cost, reliable electricity and the materials necessary to build our homes, schools, hospitals, roads, highways, bridges and airports.
Why is mining a good job? ›
Miners often enjoy salaries above the national average. Many testify that their earnings surpass those of non-mining professionals, making it financially attractive.
What are the 7 environmental impacts of mining? ›
Some examples of the negative environmental impacts of mining include climate change, deforestation/habitat destruction, pollution, soil erosion, human-wildlife conflict, and the loss of biodiversity.
What are 3 positive things about mining? ›
Mining can create employment opportunities, boost economies and provide investment for local development projects.
What are 2 positive things about mining? ›
In addition, mining is economically important to producing regions and countries. It provides employment, dividends, and taxes that pay for hospitals, schools, and public facilities. The mining industry produces a trained workforce and small businesses that can service communities and may initiate related businesses.
What are 2 impacts of mining? ›
Mine exploration, construction, operation, and maintenance may result in land-use change, and may have associated negative impacts on environments, including deforestation, erosion, contamination and alteration of soil profiles, contamination of local streams and wetlands, and an increase in noise level, dust and ...
What are the pros and cons of mining? ›
Mining can impact lives both positively and negatively, while positive impact such as: employment and community development projects are important, they do not offset the potential negatives by: forcing people from their homes and lands, preventing people from accessing clean land and water, impacting on people's ...
Is mining good or bad? ›
Mining can cause erosion, sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, or the contamination of soil, groundwater, and surface water by chemicals emitted from mining processes. These processes also affect the atmosphere through carbon emissions which contributes to climate change.
Is the mining industry a good career? ›
Depending on your state, a career in mining can offer up to $120,000 a year – or more. The industry offers a broad array of jobs that bring employees out from behind a desk into the field, as miners, geologists or metallurgists and other positions.
Renowned as one of the most dangerous jobs in the world - and for good reason. Cave-ins, explosions, toxic air, and extreme temperatures are some of the most perilous hazards observed to take place in underground mining.
Does mining pay good? ›
As of Apr 24, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Mining Industry in California is $24.65 an hour. While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $33.93 and as low as $17.08, the majority of Mining Industry salaries currently range between $23.03 (25th percentile) to $29.42 (75th percentile) in California.
What are the positive social impacts of mining? ›
On the positive side, mining can create employment opportunities, boost the local economy, and provide much-needed infrastructure development in remote areas. For instance, mining companies can invest in building schools, hospitals, and other community facilities that benefit the local population.
Why do people mine? ›
Mining extracts useful materials from the earth. Although mining provides many valuable minerals, it can also harm people and the environment.
Why is mining a problem? ›
Surface mining leads to deforestation. Substantial harm to wildlife habitats. Mining is a substantial emitter of particulate matter and toxic gases such as methane and sulfur dioxide. Arsenic, fluorine, mercury, and selenium from mining operations pollute the food chain of nearby populations.
What are the positives and negatives of mining? ›
In surface mining, larger areas need to be excavated to recover materials, and this can lead to extra use of resources.
- Minimizes Environmental Impact. ...
- It is Safer. ...
- More Profitable. ...
- Hazardous Conditions. ...
- It impacts Water Quality. ...
- It Has an Adverse Effect on the Surrounding Soil.
